intend

intend — verb

1. to decide in your mind that you will do something, generally because you want a

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to decide in your mind that you will do something, generally because you want a particular result or outcome.

例句

Emre intends to study medicine at university next year.

intend + to-infinitive for stating a plan

The city council intends to build more bicycle lanes by spring.

institutional subject with intend to

同義詞
  • plan

    More concrete — often implies a detailed set of steps rather than just a goal.

  • aim

    Focuses on the target or ambition rather than the steps to reach it.

  • propose

    More formal; suggests a plan put forward for discussion or approval.

反義詞

文法句型

intend + to-infinitive

intend + that-clause

intend + -ing form

intend + object + to-infinitive

用法筆記

The most common pattern is 'intend + to-infinitive' (e.g. 'intend to apply'). The that-clause pattern is more formal and less frequent in spoken English. The -ing form ('intend doing') occurs in British English but is not widely taught at B1 level.

常見錯誤

❌I intend go to the party tonight.
✅I intend to go to the party tonight.
💡After 'intend', you must use the full infinitive with 'to', never a bare verb.
❌I intend that he will come tomorrow.
✅I intend for him to come tomorrow.
💡In everyday English, use 'intend + for + object + to-infinitive' rather than a that-clause, which sounds stiff.

2. to design or create something so that it is used for a particular purpose, or so

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to design or create something so that it is used for a particular purpose, or so that a particular person or group is its target user.

例句

The small room next to the kitchen is intended for use as a study.

passive: be intended for [purpose]

This online course is intended to help beginners learn basic programming skills.

passive: be intended to [do]

同義詞
  • design

    Emphasises the planning and creation stage more directly.

  • mean (for)

    More informal; 'This seat is meant for elderly passengers.'

  • destine

    More literary or formal; implies a strong sense of future purpose.

文法句型

be intended for [person/purpose]

be intended as [role/type]

be intended to [do]

用法筆記

Overwhelmingly used in the passive voice (be intended). The person who does the intending (the designer or decision-maker) is usually not mentioned. The active form, e.g. 'The designer intended this chair for outdoor use', is possible but much less common.

常見錯誤

❌This seat intends for elderly passengers.
✅This seat is intended for elderly passengers.
💡Do not use active voice for the thing itself; use the passive construction 'be intended for'.
❌The program intends to help students.
✅The program is intended to help students.
💡Again, use the passive form when the subject is the program, not a person.

3. to have a particular idea or message in your mind when you say or do something —

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to have a particular idea or message in your mind when you say or do something — in other words, what you mean by your words or actions.

例句

Gabriel apologised straight away; he had not intended any offence by his joke.

intend + noun object (offence / harm / disrespect)

What did the director intend to say in the final scene of the film?

同義詞
  • mean

    More common in everyday speech; 'What do you mean by that?' is the typical phrasing.

  • refer to

    More specific — points to a particular thing or idea rather than a general message.

  • signify

    More formal; often used for symbolic or conventional meanings.

文法句型

What + do/does/did + subject + intend by [words/actions]?

be intended as [interpretation]

intend + object + to-infinitive

intend + that-clause

用法筆記

Often appears in questions seeking clarification ('What do you intend by…?'). The preposition 'by' introduces the words, action, or gesture being interpreted. 'Be intended as' is common when correcting a misunderstanding about the speaker's aim.

常見錯誤

❌What do you intend with that remark?
✅What do you intend by that remark?
💡Use 'by', not 'with', when asking about the meaning behind words or actions.